Profiles of Tenacity: Guinevere Grant

Guinevere Grant is a third-year journalism and criminal justice major with a sociology minor and News Literacy certificate from Conyers, Georgia. She is the education reporter for The Red & Black, a freelance news writer for the Covington News and writer for InfUSion Magazine.

Why did you choose your major?

Growing up financially unstable challenged me and shaped me into who I am. My experiences as a first-generation student, fighting to be the first generation in my home to get a higher education degree, fueled my devotion for uplifting voices and speaking for those who may not have the same chances in life as others. I want to show through my writing that while we can all struggle, we should never feel as if we do not have a voice. Even though we are all different, we are all still interconnected, and everyone’s stories are important and deserve to be heard.

What does tenacity mean to you?

Tenacity to me means the strength to do what scares you, to take chances and fight for your future. Personally, I see my tenacity in being a first-generation student. I didn’t always think I would be able to go to college, however fighting for yourself, being determined and knowing that the future is just over the horizon, makes the hard work worth it. 

What is one piece of advice that you would give to other Grady students?

Don’t let anyone tell you that your major, and what you are doing isn’t important. Often when I have told people I am a journalism major, I have been met with a sigh, or a look of confusion and the comment “Isn’t journalism a dying field?” However, know that it is not. It is not going away, but evolving. Communities will always need someone to tell them the news, highlight businesses or even tell them about an event happening on Friday. Our work is important, and what you do means something to someone who reads it, watches it, or hears it.   

What motivates you?

Getting up in the morning, and seeing that a new day has come, is something that motivates me. It wasn’t always easy to say that, but despite the many obstacles I have faced in my life, I can proudly say that a new day with new experiences, things to learn, to see, and stories to tell, is what motivates me to keep progressing and striving for what’s ahead.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

My biggest accomplishment has definitely been taking more time for myself. Whether that be reading, watching TV or even taking a nap, it has fundamentally changed how I feel in a day for the better. It’s hard to take time for yourself, especially as a college student when you feel like you have to constantly be working or studying, however, just that hour each day to take some time for myself has really helped me when facing burnout.

What or who has had the biggest impact on your life during your time at UGA?

Traveling writing in Honolulu, Hawaii during the May 2024 semester has had the biggest impact on my time at UGA. It was not only my first time travel writing, but my first time out-of-state. While there, I met so many amazing people and was able to immerse myself in the rich, vibrant culture of the island, truly making it a life-changing experience. From learning how to make butter mochi to meeting the mayor of Honolulu and getting lost following Google Maps over and over again — the trip educated me in so many different ways.  

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite spot on campus is the Trial Gardens. After tests or exams, I have gone there countless times to just sit and de-stress. It’s such a beautiful area, and especially during my first year, I enjoyed going to Snelling after a nice walk around the garden.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

It does get better. At times you will feel lonely and confused, not knowing what to do as a first-generation student. You won’t understand how to sign up for classes, how to look at tuition costs, or how to calm down with the overwhelming feeling of change looming over you. However, know that everything will work out. You’ll find classes and people you love and you’ll learn to be excited for change, rather than scared. 

Editor: Madden Callahan, emc50486@uga.edu